Heart-Things

Prophetic Drumming

2012-02-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

I'm teaching a class at WAC called Prophetic Use of Art and this is one of the examples I am offering to show the potential to connect with God through our creativity. (Sorry I couldn't embed the video but it was prohibited, for some reason.)

What do you think about this? Do you like it? Hate it? Find it interesting? Indifferent to it?

I am always excited when I see God's people worshiping and praying outside of the box and long for the day when Christians embrace their creativity and begin to connect with Him and speak of Him in new ways.

Blessings to you!

Snow!

2012-01-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

SNOW, how I love you! How I wish you would keep falling!

I've been waiting so very long for your appearing.

Please stay awhile....

Farther Along

2012-01-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

I quite like Josh Garrels' version of an old favorite of mine, Father Along.

It is comforting to know that many of the battles we face are only a matter of perspective. The battle has already been won, we need only to bring the victory into our situation. Farther along, we'll understand the 'why' of our struggles but, for now, we just need to obey and love Jesus.

I'm willing to do that.

Lovely Sledding on New Years Day

2012-01-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

What a glorious day! We went up through Big Cottonwood and Bryan found a great place to sled. Shya was a champ from the first run and laughed uproariously all the way down the hill. She would zoom down the mountain, catching air over the bumps and crash at the bottom, laughing her head off! She would grab the sled and tow it up the hill and do it all over again. Definitely has Viking blood in her veins! Our boys, Hunty and Samson tolerated it but didn't really dig it the way Shya did. We're going to make it a family tradition for New Years, it was so much fun!

Good Times With The Family

2011-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Shya and Chad watching "Ice Age:Mammoth Christmas" in my bedroom.

This really tickled me!

Hunty having his first lesson on the hammered dulcimer. He's two years old.

Look at the concentration on his face!

Shya had her 4th birthday on the 18th

Shya and Mommy = Beautiful Girls

Shya got her ears pierced!

Smiling because she has Hello Kitty earrings!

Shya is Beste's Favorite Helper

Spencer just HAS to be in the middle of everything!

Lovely Christmas Tree!

I am grateful for such a lovely family! Takk Jesus!

Favorite Family Christmas Songs

2011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas songs say a lot about people. What's your favorite?

Bunads!

2011-12-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

There's nothing cuter than two wee grandbabies in their Norwegian bunads!

Shya is going to be four in a couple of weeks and Hunter turned two in August.

Here is a pic of Shya and Hunter with their magnificent mom, Meghann!

We're going Christmas-tree shopping soon!

Utah, this is your queue to snow!!!!!

A Beautiful Day!

2011-11-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning: making soap!

Shya was fascinated by the process and especially liked the 'poorple' soap.

Thanks for the air-mic concert, Raelynn, you are always a ray of sunshine!

Thank you, Megs, for your steady hands when it came time to remove the soap from the molds.

Can't wait to try this again!!!!

Beautiful, Beloved Snow!

2011-11-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

At last, a REAL snowfall in Sandy! I'm SOOOOO happy! It's snowing!!!!!!

It's hard on poor Spencer because his hoo-haw is so low to the ground that he has to immerse himself in the snow to do his b'ness. It's tragic but cute at the same time.

Unless it's your hoo-haw in question.

Shya caught snow on her tongue tonight in celebration of the first snowfall. Priceless.

Bring it on, Winter! I'm ready for you!

Hjemlengsel for Norge!

2011-11-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's true....I am hopelessly homesick for Norway! I dragged Vivien to Ikea this morning (wearing our Norwegian sweaters, of course) so I could feel a little bit of the Norge vibe. But it didn't work. And my heart is still aching.

This is Elin & Geir's cabin. We had a lovely time there with Pascual from Mozambique

as we chilled in the beautiful mountains of Norway. Check out the sweaters once again.

If this doesn't abate shortly, I'll have to bust out the krumkake iron!

The Lightning Of God

2011-11-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

I went to an intercession class last night at church and we watched a Dutch Sheets DVD. His theme was the 'Lightning of God' and how we, as intercessors, are like God's lightning bolts that hit the target. Just as we may turn a magnifying glass towards the sun and beam it's heat to burn paper on the ground so, too, we may turn our faces to God and learn to direct the fire of His Presence through intercession. Dutch Sheets explains it this way: We become the violent flashing forth of His divine energy, shattering, scattering and routing the enemy.

Here we are, the prayer warriors in Utah,

releasing God's glory and thwarting the plots of the enemy.

I think that's awesome!

Adorable-ness

2011-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love being home for a variety of reasons but seeing Shya and Hunter every day is at the top of the list. They are absolutely delightful and it makes me so happy to hear them coming through the door calling, "Beste!!!!" It was fun to shop around Norway and find things to bring home that their compatriots don't have like viking helmets and bunads!

Hunter the Magnificent, Viking Boy!

Beautiful Shya in her 'big girl' bunad, the traditional dress for Norway.

This is the view of Spencer over my laptop screen. Adorable, eh?

I feel blessed to have such a lovely family: Megs, Chaddy, Shya, Hunter, Spencer and, of course, Vivi! It has helped with the homesickness I continue to feel for Norway.

Rugby World Cup 2011

2011-10-23T02:56:00.000-07:00

HURRA for the Rugby World Champs!
Hats off to the All Blacks!

Hurra for Vivien!

2011-10-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Vivien. We have three more days left in this beautiful country and all I can think about is how amazing you are. You have poured yourself out for two months with a grace that has spoken eloquently of our Father's love and glorious character. You have opened God's Word and taught the secrets of His Presence with "authority", "anointing" and "ability" proving once again that you are a master at what you do. You've prayed for hundreds day after day, prophesied over them, played and opened the prophetic door into God's Presence. You never turned anyone away who longed for a connection with God but tirelessly gave and gave. With that beautiful Jesus-sparkle in your eye, you have encouraged and counseled and imparted and released the beauty of your Lord to the people of Norway. You, my beloved sister and friend, have left a waterfall of God's goodness behind you and it has been a delight and an honor to stand by your side.

How can [I] thank God enough for you in return for all the joy [I] have in the presence of our God because of you, [Vivien]?

1 Thessalonians 3:9

Jeg elsker deg, tusen takk, kjære venn.

Slap Happy After Two Months

2011-10-17T03:55:00.000-07:00

We have had a positively WONDERFUL time in Norway but I have to admit that my body and brain are getting a wee bit weary. I know I'll be crying on Monday when we have to leave but this is just a peek into my world right now:

Where do you hang your socks so they're dry before morning when you need them?

Is it possible to travel with a portable washer and dryer? Wouldn't that be amazing?

Do you prefer your meat in a tube or in a bucket? Neither, tusen takk :)

Are you prepared to spend $15 on a McChicken when the alternative is fish in a bucket?

If we move here one day, we will have to bring a bag of gold to buy a piece of bread.

(Jesus Movement reference for the oldies out there)

When did Ricky Ricardo immigrate from Cuba to Norway? And what happened to Lucy?

Ricky, you have some 'splainin' to do.

How can an elk look like a moose and why is it hanging on the wall by the fireplace?

Why do people who are so peace-loving and kind like shooting animals in their backyard?

This is Chad's kind of place :)

Santa Claus and Reindeer or Elves and Crocodiles?

And lastly, is Raelynn really correct with the following translation? If you kick your ball here, the teddy bear will go a farten on you, you barn looker. Just for the record, she is not correct.

Jeg elsker deg, Norge! Du er veldig hyggelig!

Hungry Norwegian Women!

2011-10-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is what it's all about, folks. Heidi Baker gave an altar call tonight asking if people would give everything they had - in complete surrender to God - in order to feed the starving people around them. This includes spiritually starving and physically starving. She inspired us with amazing stories of faith where thousands were fed and people were healed of blindness and diseases. Almost every woman in the room came forward to give her life to Jesus as bread to the nations. It was very beautiful.

Please keep praying for Norway! God is doing something wonderful here!

National Women's Conference in Kristiansand, Norway

2011-10-13T01:35:00.000-07:00

The National Women's Conference begins this afternoon. You can read about it here:

Kvinner i Nettverk 2011

Vivien is playing on the worship team for the meetings and we will also be one of the prayer teams ministering after the evening meetings. This conferences is a beautiful demonstration of what God has been doing with the women of Norway. They are arising with great passion and power and this nation is being changed because of them! The conference now includes all of the Nordic countries as the Women's Network is spreading throughout Scandinavia. We are pleased to announce that we will be starting the first USA Kvinner i Nettverk group in Sandy, Utah. Very exciting, indeed!

Please join us as we pray that God would fulfill all He has in His heart for Norway in these days!

Guds Herlighet for Norge!

Norwegian Brides & Psalm 45

2011-10-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

Norway has a lovely cultural tradition for its brides. A traditional wedding is held in the family church (kirke) and the bride wears a special dress (brudekjole) that reflects her heritage and place of origin. She also wears a silver crown (brudekrone) or handmade head-dress with bangles and ribbons and I think it's quite beautiful. These bridal crowns are passed down from generation to generation if a family can afford one, but if they can't they borrow the crown from their church. No bride is ever left out of this custom.

This is a typical brooch worn by a bride. The symbol of the heart and bridal crown is lovely! The bangles of silver and gold are meant to declare that the bride is God's property and to 'scare' off evil. Yes, I realize this is a bit superstitious but I like the idea that silver, the symbol of redemption, and gold, the symbol of God's divinity, are used to signify our protection.

This is a painting of a Bestemor (grandmother) showing her grandchildren the bridal crown they will wear one day. The painting was given to the royal house of Norway in the 1800s. Charming!

I would love to do this for Shya one day! I admit it might be a bit extreme, but I love it!

When a bride and groom go into the bridal chamber, the groom removes the crown. When the bride wakes up after her wedding night, she is supposed to write down the dreams she had because they are meant to be 'prophetic' concerning her future, the number of children she will have and what the couple will accomplish. Her wedding guests have also planted two fir trees on either side of the front door to the house as a statement of the new life that will begin with this union. Interestingly, there is a giant evergreen next to our front door. We already have our 'babies' and rejoice over Shya, Hunter and Samson!

And one more thing......We are God's Royal Bride!

Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her—those brought to be with her. Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. Psalm 45:10-15

Waterfall of His Presence

2011-10-09T01:52:00.000-07:00

Deep calls to deep

in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

have swept over me.

By day the LORD directs his love,

at night his song is with me.

Psalm 42:7-8

I feel like I am hanging out in the mist beside His glorious waterfall.
We have had such wonderful meetings this weekend.

I am overwhelmed by His loving Presence.

Takk Far, jeg elsker deg.
Du er så godt!

Grosås Farm Retreat Center

2011-10-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

We're staying at Grosås Farms for a Prayer Retreat this weekend. Several people are joining us who have serious illnesses and are looking for healing from the Lord. It is a time of divine appointments!

Prayer Retreat at Grosås Farm

The beautiful Norwegian flag blowing in the breeze.

This wee chapel on the grounds is a peaceful place to tuck yourself in and spend time with God.

This is an old barn that has been converted into a meeting hall. There is a kitchen, dining room, living room with a lovely fireplace and also a large room upstairs that can hold about 100 people. This is where our meetings will take place.

We are staying in this 17th century farmhouse with the owner who is named Eva. She is a marvel at making us feel at home and is the ultimate creative woman! She bakes her own bread and makes her own jam, among other things, and her home is beautiful. Her family has lived on this farm for centuries and she has mixed the old and new in her home and I love it!

An old violin from Eva's family. Simply glorious!

I love the way Norwegians seem to have a gift for making cozy (coselig) spots to sit and chat.

This is a painting of Jesus that was in my Norwegian Grandmother's home.

I was SO happy to see it hanging on the wall of my room.

I'm looking forward to meeting with God in new ways this weekend.

Please join us in praying for His Presence to fill this place!

Three Little Beings I Miss

2011-10-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

ShyShy the Beautiful Dancer!

Hunty the Magnificent!

And Spencie!

I have to admit that my heart aches a wee bit and I'm missing home....

Oslo Sunset

2011-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things is a beautiful sunset and this was the view from my window as we flew out of Olso toward Stockholm. Isn't God amazing that He can paint such glorious skies?

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. Psalm 19:1-6

Good night, beautiful Norway!

Good morning, Sweden, it's nice to meet you!

Loving Norway!

2011-10-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

We are two happy ladies in Norway!

We've gotten a little bit more than halfway through our time here

and we have several more meetings to look forward to.

On Monday we leave for Sweden for three days and then we return 'home'

for the National Kvinner i Nettverk Conference which is expected to have 2,000 delegates.

We are excited about what the Lord is going to do with the women of Norway!!!

Please keep us in prayer as we finish our 'race' here in the Motherland!

Snapshots of Life in Norway

2011-09-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yet another stunning view of life on an island.

I love the Norwegian Church's undying affection and support for Israel.

I quite like the way Norwegian men are involved with their children.

They are expected to take turns caring for their children and are very involved in daily tasks.

It is not uncommon to see Dads behaving more like American Moms!

I really like that!

A beautiful sykkel.

I don't know what this means but it is always staring at me as we drive.....

My constant companion in Norway: knekkebrød og salami.

Every entrance to a home has a stack of shoes. Norwegians seem to really, really like their shoes

and they have a million pair. I find it a koselig (cozy) sight when we enter a home.

It makes it feel lived-in.

Alise Fagerbakke

Amalie Fagerbakke

They are such lovely girls, not only beautiful on the outside but really lovely on the inside.

We have had the pleasure of spending time in their home and they've been delightful!

Everyone should hope to have such wonderful girls!

What a lovely day off we have had today!

Leon Timbo - A Thousand Songs of Freedom

2011-09-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

This is Leon Timbo and we ministered with him in California right before leaving for Norway. The dude is amazing and I wanted to share his beautiful anointing with you today. Listen to him and hear the Father's heart for you today:

Love you!

My Life

2011-09-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

This basically sums up my life.

I love taking photos.

It's my joy.

With A Grateful Heart!

2011-09-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

We have traveled from Grimerud to Kristiansand, my 'home' in Norway. It is the most amazing thing and I don't know exactly why it happens, but as I fly closer to Kristiansand, my heart begins to leap with joy! There is just something about being in this area, so close to where my family came from, that it is satisfying and dazzling and SO good! Everything seems like a kiss from my Father and that's a pretty sweet way to live your days.

We are staying with dear friends, Elin og Geir Fagerbakke and their beautiful (and I mean beautiful!) daughters, Alise and Amalie. Alise generously gave up her wee flat upstairs and we've loved staying there. Check out the details! It really is a lovely place.

Are you jealous, yet? ;)

We are on the island of Flekkerøy, just outside of Kristiansand. I'm going out today in the sunshine to take some photos which I will post later. Seriously, Norway is a feast for the eyes and a photographer's heaven.

Tusen takk, Alise and the Fagerbakke family for your wonderful hospitality!

RESTORE 24/7 in Grimerud, Norway

2011-09-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

We've had some really good meetings with the folks who are on staff with the RESTORE 24/7 prayer ministry in Grimerud (a YWAM base outside of Hamar), Norway. Vivien has been teaching in the morning and then we've gathered together in the Upper Room for prophetic worship and prayer. Last night there was an 'open meeting' so anyone from the community could join us. We had a prophetic worship workshop and the people really enjoyed it!

Join us in praying that the Lord's glory would fall in all of NORWAY!

Pray for the State Church in Norway

2011-09-23T02:09:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the Priests of the State Church in Norway. Many of them, like our friend below, are seeking the Lord passionately and want to bring Revival and Restoration to their churches. The State Church has been known as a place of the 'old ways' and is considered 'dead' to many people in Norway but God is breathing new life into these churches. He is working in and through this company of amazing men to make space for worshipers to be released and His work to be accomplished! Job 14:8-9 declares:

"Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil,

yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant."

Cause the Waterfall of Your Presence to fall upon the State Churches in Norway,

Lord, and make them spring to life once again!

Per Anton, Inger Lise and their daughters.

The State Church in Stjørdal, Norway (by Trondheim)

Why are the graveyards so stinkin' cool in other countries???

The inside of the Church. Very Beautiful!

A 'typical' light in the Church. The details are always amazing to me!

Olav den Hellige (Olaf the Holy)

2011-09-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Olav den Hellige was a Viking who became a Christian as a young man and later united Norway under the Cross. He was said to tell his men before battle, "If you are not living for Christ, I don't want you fighting with me." He was typical for his day in that he used force to accomplish what he felt was God's will but he is responsible for uniting Norway and bringing Christianity to this land. There are multiple stories of miracles and healing surrounding his life so he is considered a Saint to the State Church. He has been memorialized at Stiklestad, the place of his last battle, and also in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim.

You can see what a valiant warrior spirit he had as he held the cross high upon his noble steed.

Restore the Ancient Pathways, Lord, as we redeem your purposes for Norge.

May Your Glory Fall In This Land!

Tusen takk, Astrid og Inger Lise, for taking us on such a beautiful adventure today!

You make my heart glad!

For more about Olav den Hellige:

Olaf the Holy

7 Things You May Not Know About Norwegians!

2011-09-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

1. Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement (all the blue bits in the map below). Apparently, this is an agreement that allows for free entrance between countries (porous borders) and benefits anyone applying for a Visa or Residency here. You can read more about that here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement

2. Norway makes REALLY good cheeseburgers & fries! They actually put the salad ON the cheeseburger. No really. You bite into your bun only to discover there are pieces of cucumber, onion, lettuce, pickle, tomato and corn with a nice sauce that tastes a bit like Thousand Island (but not as tangy) added to your meat and yummy, stretchy melted cheese. The beef is so much better than ours in the U.S. which must reflect the damaged emotional state of our bovine neighbors who are often spotted standing ankle-high in muck, much to our shame. Norwegian cows are happy little beings who roam around their farms eating downy, green grass and schmoozing with the sheep. They sit down and chill when it's sunny and huddle together under trees when the rain falls. It looks like such a happy community!

3. It doesn't matter how hard an American tries to pronounce Norwegian words, they are met with patient correction and repetition or sassy scoffings like, "It sounds like you're speaking Chinese! Bwuhahahahaaha!" Ha ha. Not.

4. Norway has excellent dairy (meieri) products which brings us back to Happy Cows. (Well, happy, that is, until it comes time to give one's life for a cheeseburger but that's another subject for another time.)

5. While we're talking about the cows, we may as well give props to the sheep. Admit it, they are just cooler than our sheep. Look at that dude. He just exudes confidence in his glorious curly wool and knows he's gorgeous with his long, Viking legs created to leap over rocks on his way up the mountain. This is probably why Norway has such beautiful knitted goods which brings me to point number six.

6. Norway has beautiful knitted goods! This needs no explanation.

7. Norwegians are brave, courageous, amazing people with a Viking spirit that can triumph over any adverse situations. This is a picture of a daring rescue referred to as Birkeneiner which has actually spawned a cross-country race that is run annually. This is a bit of the history of the famous rescue:

Around the year 1200, the rival groups shared the identical but opposite goal of controlling the entire country. In 1202, when King Sverre died, he had managed to acquire most of Norway, but in Østerdalen, the Baglers were still very powerful. Sverre's death meant some decrease in power of Birkebeins. His successor, King Haakon Sverresson, died only two years later, leaving his son Haakon Haakonsson as the ultimate target for the Baglers to get rid of the pretender to the throne. In 1206, the Birkebeiners set off on a dangerous voyage through treacherous mountains and forests, taking the now two-year-old Haakon Haakonsson to safety in Trondheim. Norwegian history credits the Birkebeiners' bravery with preserving the life of the boy who later became King Haakon Haakonsson IV, ended the civil wars in 1240 and forever changed Northern Europe's history through his reign.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkebeiner

How do I love thee, Norway? Let me count the ways......

P.S. I can't stop counting! I just had to add another one. Did you know that the tractors lay eggs around here?

Beautiful Mountains In The Clouds

2011-09-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Time for more stunning photos of Norway. The first one was taken as we drove to the top of the mountains to a restaurant/cafe called The Eagle's Nest. It is literally perched atop a mountain overlooking an incredible valley at the edge of a fjord. As we were driving through the mountains, climbing higher and higher and weaving 'round and 'round, I commented on how ancient everything looked. We started talking about the Vikings and my friend said, "Rebecca, you are a Viking Queen leading women across Norway to fight for their land." I really dug that :)

The second photo is of us standing on the look-out walk around the restaurant. It was so high that it made me a bit dizzy looking straight down! It was a perfect vantage point for prayer, though, and I found myself praying for God's glory to settle over the land like the clouds around me.

The third photo is one view of the valley floor below where there were farm houses, barns and a church on green, green grass nestled between the mountains like a hidden jewel. Although it was really beautiful, I wondered how cold and remote it must feel in the middle of winter when the valley is filled with snow. There were only a couple of very narrow roads leading off to somewhere up the mountains and, of course, to the edge of the Sognefjord (Norway's longest, deepest fjord, by the way).

May God's Glory Arise In Norway!

Lovsongsskolen, Sandnes, Norway

2011-09-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

In His Image School of Worship, Sandnes, NORWAY

Well, it's official! Norway has its first School of Worship in the Rogaland Area! This is a 'sister' endeavor with The Worship Arts Conservatory, our online school, and we are so excited about the possibilities here! I tell you, the people here have an extraordinary hunger for God's Presence and it's goose-bumpy amazing when they start to worship. We have encountered priests in the State Church (Lutheran) who just want all of God they can get, and this from a people legendary for not even being saved most of the time. Isn't that wonderful? What an amazing God who woos our hearts with such patience!

In addition to the teaching last night, there will be teaching and practical workshops all day today and then a worship evening that is open to the public, as well. This is the foundation for the school which will meet every Sunday evening for a year. It's off to a great start and there are 25-30 students signed up already. Please pray for Finn Geir and Kjell who are leading the school, they are wonderful men of God.

This is a pic of the lovely folks who came out last night to find God in a wonderful, new way. Vivien was a champ, of course, and delivered an inspiring, beautiful message about our need to worship God's way, not our own. Sorry it's a bit blurry but all I had was my Ipod Touch and the lighting was typically low. Norwegians either have candle-light or they just turn the lights down until that warm, fuzzy, warm glow just happens. I think it's a sweet defense against the rainy, cold night.

Vi vil opphøye deg,

Kong Jesus,

Hvert et kne skal bøye seg

for deg.

Vi vil opphøye deg,

Kong Jesus,

Ingen er som du,

Nei, ingen er som du.

Bedehus Rainbow

2011-09-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a beautiful rainbow over the local Bedehus in Bryne. A Bedehus is a place established for prayer and it has been said that every city that has a Bedehus has experienced a renewal of Christian life in recent years. You can read about Hans Nielsen Hauge and the prayer movement he began in Norway at this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Nielsen_Hauge

Last night we had a meeting at the Frikirke (FreeChurch) which is one step away from the State Church. It has the same form, theology and tradition as the State Church (Lutheran) but the state doesn't have any rule over them. They are free to appoint the pastor of their choice, for example. It was a meeting with the people who want to be a little freer in their worship and we expected a subdued crowd. It was really beautiful to see how many of the people stepped out to prophesy and speak of the visions the Lord gave them as we worshiped together. Many people saw visions of the Lord leading them, as His sheep, down the mountain to heal them and restore them. I posted the photo below to show what a beautiful sight the sheep on the mountainside is.

With a heritage like this it isn't any wonder that God is ready to pour out His Spirit on this land! There are many here with hungry hearts who long for a visitation of God! These are my people and my heart is wholly for them and with them.

Jeg elsker Norge med hele mitt hjerte!

Attractional vs Incarnational Missions = All About Love

2011-09-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Being in Norway again has brought up so many thoughts about what 'missions' really is. I have come to a very simple conclusion: It is loving people in Jesus' love and sharing His thoughts about them in the context of relationship.

Consider these words from a website I happened upon that addressed the issue of drawing people to Christ:

If Jesus were alive today and his mission was still to ‘seek out and save the lost’ what might he do?…

Would he hire a building, set up a sound system, develop a music team, drama team, and then do local letterbox drops advising people that they could come and be part of his church on Sunday? Frankly I don’t believe this approach to mission would rate a blip on his strategic radar. The so called ‘attractional’ mode of mission centres its focus on the church service and is dedicated to producing an event that pagans will want to come to. The theory goes that the more professional the service is, the funkier the music, the better the coffee, and so on” the more likely the punters will come, hence the term ‘attractional’. As such the success of mission in this mode is almost always measured by the number who attend on Sunday. While a small minority of larger churches do experience some success with this approach, the overwhelming majority of smaller churches attempting to be Hillsong [an Australian mega-church] clones continue to haemorrhage members every week because they cannot offer the same quality of music, preaching or other services that their mega-mall comrades down the road are able to provide...

I would argue that this ‘attractional mission’, while effective for a few, is actually a case of putting the cart before the horse. Deciding on a form of church and then trying to make it so that people want to come is mission in reverse....

By contrast the incarnational approach to mission is refreshingly simple. It requires us to live amongst the people in our communities, love them, share the good news of the kingdom both in action and in speech and then as people become followers of Christ to form up indigenous communities of faith that reflect the specific context. This requires no great resources or buildings, no slick marketing plans and no highly talented people. In incarnational mission the gatherings exist to support the believers as they move out in mission rather than being seen as the place to bring people to. While attractional churches will continue to dominate the landscape of the Christian world, I strongly believe that hope for the future lies increasingly with an incarnational approach to mission that takes both gospel and context seriously and sends Christians out as missionaries rather than calling pagans to come and attend church.

http://www.backyardmissionary.com/2005/08/incarnational-v-attractional-mission.htm

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. James 1:19-21 (The Message)

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. Proverbs 3:3-4 (The Message)

I am bursting with God's love for Norway and I have determined to choose 'love' in every situation!

Prophetic Prayers for Norway

2011-09-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is an example of the 'prophetic' prayer cards I made for the Kvinner i Nettverk leadership retreat. I made seven different cards with photos I've taken in Norway, added the 'word' or dream God gave me concerning the nation, and asked the leaders to join me in birthing God's heart for them. I kept everything simple so someone could just tuck the card into their Bible and pray when they saw it. Elin Fagerbakke, the leader of KiN is going to print 3,000 cards and give them to each of the women who attend the National Conference in October. I thought that was pretty awesome!

An Open Heaven Over Norway —The Key of David (Is. 22:22; Rev. 3:7)

God’s Heart for Norway: The Key of David is a picture of the authority we, as worshipers, have to declare God’s purposes over Norway. As we are led by the Holy Spirit to intercede and worship, we open doors to Revival & Blessing and lock doors against the enemy. May the Lord open heaven over Norway in these days and release His glory!

Please join me in crying out for Revival over the beautiful land of Norway!

Med kjærlighet fra Rebecca

Norwegian Adventures!

2011-09-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is the ferry we took to begin our Adventure!

We left mid-morning and drove along winding, one-laned roads that meandered

through the Norwegian farms and took us to the Ferry Dock.

After we crossed the wee part of the sea to join the land,

we sat down by the shore and had a picnic.

Beautiful nectarines; lovely chicken sandwiches from Astrid;

Helga's hot chocolate w/ cream; lefse w/ lingonberry jam & sour cream;

Coffee and milk for some; Pepsi Max for others.

This was the view we had of the gathering of homes along the shore.

Really, everywhere one looks here there is a beautiful, perfect postcard scene.

As we headed for Helga's mountain apartment, we drove past many views like this one.

I can't remember the name of the valley but it was spectacular!

More to come......

Astrid og Helga, takk for deres vennlighet mot oss!

Astrid, you may correct my spelling and grammar now :)

A Beautiful Day!

2011-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is a typical view on the way to Sirdal, Norway.

I love these little farms that are tucked away on wee islands

in the middle of the bluest of waters, below rugged mountains.

Norge er veldig vakkert!

Kylling Dinner

2011-08-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

This was my dinner tonight! Astrid came over and served lovely mashed

potatoes, chicken & onion chicken patties, mushrooms and brocoli.

Oh, and gravy, of course!

She just has a knack for making stuff taste particularly wonderful

and I'm looking forward to her Fantastisk Eplekake!

I will post the recipe when she does it so you, too, can enjoy her creation.

Takk for maten!

Waffles in Norway!

2011-08-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Norway has some really awesome food like Waffles!

We had these tonight as a late evening snack with friends. Yummy!

(Tusen takk for vafler, Helga!)

I feel like I am in an episode of Househunters Int'l!

We are staying in a flat in downtown Bryne and it's amazing!

I will have to post pics soon!

Life in Norway is so good I just have to use exclamation marks!!!

Livet er så godt her!

Skjærgårdsheimen on Flekkerøy

2011-08-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

It took thirty hours to get to Norway but we arrived safely last night.

(But, really, God, did you have to make all our flights so incredibly bumpy? Really?)

I am glad to be alive.

This is what twilight looks like on Flekkerøy, the island where we're staying.

How many people get to see a lighthouse from their bedroom window? Nice.

It is so good to be back in Norway! We are resting today

and then will have meetings almost back to back for two months.

This should be great fun, I tell you.

Har det bra for nå.

Utah

2011-08-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Utah,

I'm going to miss you when I'm gone. As my friend pointed out, I will miss the entire Autumn, in fact. So I have a favor to ask. Don't make your leaves too spectacular or your weather too sweet because you know I really enjoy that about you. If you're thinking about me when I'm away, be sure and do whatever you need to do to produce a ton of snow for the winter. I am, of course, your biggest snow fan and I'd appreciate the effort. There's nothing more lovely than seeing 'my' mountains draped with a snowy cape and clouds hanging like a mysterious counterpoint against the sky. You know I think it's your best quality and you really look beautiful :)

Love and hugs from Rebecca

Soon, Oh So Soon!

2011-08-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Soon, we will be standing on the ground of Norway and my heart will be complete.

This is just an example of some of the mysterious scenery somewhere outside of Stavanger.

Å be for Guds herlighet i Norge er min største glede!

A Missionary Heart

2011-08-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

"God is pursuing with omnipotent passion a worldwide purpose of gathering joyful worshipers for Himself from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. He has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the supremacy of His name among the nations. Therefore, let us bring our affections into line with His, and, for the sake of His name, let us renounce the quest for worldly comforts and join His global purpose." — John Piper

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" — William Carey

"The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become." — Henry Martyn

"To belong to Jesus is to embrace the nations with Him." — John Piper

God's Blessings for Norway

2011-07-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

It has been a week since the horrible attack against the Norwegian people. During that time, I have worn a Norwegian Flag pin to show my support and have made it known as we travel from place to place that God's Revival is coming to Norway in spite of what they may 'see' in the natural. I've continued to urge people to pray for God's comfort to be poured out and His ways to be made known in these days. This is the scripture that I speak over 'her' as I pray. Isaiah 25:6-10a promises......

On this mountain (Norway) the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain (Norway) he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the veil of grief that covers her (Norway); he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

In that day they (Norway) will say, "Surely this is OUR GOD; we trusted Him, and He saved us! This is the Lord, we trusted Him; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation!" The Hand of the Lord will rest upon this mountain (Norway).......

And from one of my favorite worship choruses:
Fader, Sønn og Hellig Ånd

av hele hjertet vil jeg lovsynge Deg.

Ditt rike består til evig tid.

Din barmhjertighet, den omslutter meg.

Skulle jeg vandre i dødens skygge, aldri vil du slippe meg.

Fader, Sønn og Hellig Ånd,

Jeg hengir meg til deg.

Norwegian Attacks

2011-07-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jeg elsker deg, Norge!

Please pray for Norway as they have suffered the worst violence in

Western Europe since the 7/7 tube bombings in London.

Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg said this, true to the Viking spirit of the land:

"I have a message to those who attacked us. A message from the whole of Norway.

You won’t destroy us. You won't destroy our democracy. We are a small but proud nation. No one can bomb us to silence. No one can scare us from being Norway,"

Traveling Again!

2011-07-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah, we're back to normal life, again!

I'm in my 'home away from home', the Admiral's Club

Sipping a Diet Coke with Lime & working on my laptop,

Joyfully anticipating a lovely flight to Chicago

in First Class on a Triple 7 (Boeing 777)!

Life is SO GOOD! And I'm SO HAPPY!

Takk, Jesus!

Norwegian Yummies!

2011-07-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is my latest attempt at making Norwegian goodies.

The top photo is Riskrem, a rice pudding type of dessert with fresh raspberries.

The 2nd photo is of my friend Astrid's Famous Eplekakke (apple cake)

And my Grandmother's secret family recipe for Krumkake (a rolled cookie).

Totally & completely yummy!

Thanks, Sharon, for being willing to experiment with me!

Jeg elsker Norge!

Utah:Hidden Treasure

2011-07-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful discovery tonight!

Utah, you're amazing.....

Flekkerøy & Rogaland....

2011-06-20T21:54:00.001-07:00

Dreams do come true.....

Utah is Beautiful!

2011-06-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Utah is Be-UTAH-ful!

Look at the mountain view from my front door!

I am SO blessed!

Beautiful Babies

2011-06-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hunty has been knockin' me out these days!

Sporting his cowboy hat one morning before Day Care.

Shya is always gorgeous & she loves her Beste!

Jeg Vil Gjerne Ha.......

2011-05-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

..time to shop on this street

...and worship in this church

...and celebrate with these friends

...by eating riskrem

....looking at this view

...and sleeping in this bed

...in this house.

And the best thing of all would be if you would join me.

Hunter the Magnificent

2011-05-28T21:43:00.001-07:00

I captured this sweet moment when

Hunty was looking at the dog in the next yard.

I especially dig the cammo cowboy boots :)

2011-05-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Interesting sights along the road between Utah and Colorado.

All that was missing from the top of the red rock formation was

some cool Native Warrior on his horse! It was spectacular!

Wanderlust.....

2011-05-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

"Before I shaped you in the womb,

I knew all about you.

Before you saw the light of day,

I had holy plans for you:

A prophet to the nations—

that's what I had in mind for you."

Jeremiah 1:5 (The Message)

Wanderlust.....

2011-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Please open the gate, Lord, and let me out.

I'm tired of being penned in and it's time to find the green pastures

You've promised me.

Remember?

2011-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Could there really be anything more beautiful than snow falling? I know you Sandy people love the sunshine but every snowflake is a kiss from my Father and I really, really dig it!

Makes Me Smile!

2011-03-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most wonderful things about being a Beste is discovering fun stuff like Jack Black on "Yo Gabba Gabba". Life is oh-so-good!

Israel

2011-03-11T10:41:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make: Israel has somehow crept into my bones. It may have something to do with breaking my ribs on the way to her border, but I dunno.....it just happened and I feel unalterably changed. Now, I'm not saying Israel will ever overtake Norway as first in my heart but it was amazing to be there and see the ancient stones and gates of her city. We wept together at the Holocaust Museum, climbed the steps to Mt Zion, prayed in the Garden ofGethsemane, witnessed the empty tomb and stole dirt from the place of the crucifixion (a major Immigration violation but you just have to do things when your son asks, right?), and worshiped at the Wailing Wall, to name a few things. Thank you, Jeanne and John, for such a gift.

Snowy Winter!

2010-11-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

Collection of Interesting Experiences in Utah:

1. I have SNOW right outside my front door on most nights!

2. The white glow at night that comes through my blinds is the reflection of the moon on the SNOW!

3. I have icicles dangling from my license plate!

4. I saw six BIG beautiful deer walking through my neighborhood a couple of nights ago!

5. There are shoveled tracks through the grass in my front yard so Spencer can do his bi'ness and not be buried alive.

6. The arrow thingy on the car thermostat never rises above the "C" any more.

7. There are gorgeous clouds that hang like a gauze-y veils around the mountains in front of my house and it's a glorious site!

It's all amazing! Thank you, Utah, I'm falling more and more in love with you!

2010-02-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

For my friends who have made the decision to embrace their creativity and express God in new ways, I have this quote from Dr. Wilson Yates to share with you (and it's one of my favorites):

There is a power art has that draws us as a religious people to the works of artists. It is a power that calls us onto holy ground and engages us in matters of ultimate importance. It is a power that invites us to explore the religious and moral depths of our life, to explore our own spiritual journey…We are each, I think, on a spiritual journey, for we all have at the heart of our larger human journey that set of experiences and explorations that are concerned with the inner struggle of defining who we are and who we are in relationship to God, of understanding the ultimate purpose and meaning of our existence, of responding to those events that shake us in often ruthless fashion…If we see ourselves as spiritual pilgrims then the arts, with their power to call us onto holy ground, become our inevitable companions on our journey.

So, my beautiful friends, CREATE, INSPIRE, ENCOURAGE, ENGAGE and show Christ through all you do! I can't wait to see what you come up with so don't hold back :)

For Becca: I thought I'd post one of my favorite photos from December in Norway. There was a fresh snow fall (gotta love that!) and the colors were unbelievably beautiful. It was so surreal, it may not look like it but the turquoise is a lake behind the trees.

PLOG?

2009-09-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

* Sigh * A certain person wanted me to start a photo blog posting my favorite pic with the reasons why I chose it. I am finally accepting this challenge. My problem is that I have a millions photographs and I can't pick my favorite because nothing is ever "brilliant" enough to share. So, after finally getting sick of being discontent, I hastily picked a photo of a doorknob at Hearts Castle that struck my fancy. The color palette is gorgeous because it feels faded and old (which it is); the silver doorknob is just incredibly cool and there is a greenish patina in the creases; I love the tapestry on the wall; I love the mystery of possibilities this photo speaks to me. Oh, and Katharine Hepburn touched that doorknob so that's just icing on the cake.

Davis Farmer's Market

2009-06-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've been asking the Lord to adjust my appetites (spiritual, natural, and whatever) for the past few months and I'm happy to report that fruit and veggies are finally beginning to appeal to me. Who knew they could be so beautiful AND taste so lovely! This was one of the tables at the Farmer's Market in Davis. It was right next to the Karma Tent (hehehe)

Just for fun, I thought I'd throw in a couple of scenes of Davis life, as well. You never know what you'll see around there which is why I am SO IN LOVE with Davis!

The Things You Do For Friends......

2009-05-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm only willing to do this because my friend asked me and she actually hates playing Lexulous but does it for me anyway. So, here goes (not that anybody ever reads this blog)....

What's your current obsession?

Becca's homemade chocolate chip cookies ;)

What's your weirdest obsession?

I'm cool with everything I'm obsessed about so can't think of anything. (hehehe)

What are you wearing today?

Basic black: black shirt and black shorts. Black is supposed to be slimming and I'm hoping that it's magically taken off 8,900 pounds from my 9,000 lb body.

Why is today special?

Because I've been teaching an Ethics class and it's sparked all kinds of awesome debates between students. Very cool, I say!

What would you like to learn to do?

Fly a plane and take a hot-air balloon ride. (That's two things, I know, but I'm kinda greedy that way.)

What's for dinner today?

Diet cr*p: oatmeal

What's the last thing you bought?

Yummy Bulgogi Korean BBQ marinade from World Market and flowers for Mook from the Farmer's Market.

What's your favorite weather?

In the 70's with the sun shining and a mild breeze blowing.

What's your most challenging goal right now?

Losing 8,900 lbs.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?

I think she's very sweet to love an anti-social person like myself. I know amazing things about her that she hasn't begun to discover and I'm looking forward to the aha's that are to come.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

Here go my greedy bits, again: 6 months in Carmel, California and 6 months in Assisi, Italy.

Favorite vacation spot?

This is way too hard.....Italy, Norway, Ireland. Life is never just about ONE thing, is it?

What would you like to have in your hands right now?

A million dollars because I could end the suffering of several people in one go.

What would you like to get rid of?

8,900 lbs.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

To Lynden, Washington to see my Shy-Shy.

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in?

It's close to Davis.

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?

Spamalot tickets for Rae Rae, Vivi and myself.

Do you admire anyone's style?

Nope. I'm more likely to admire someone's writing or photography style. (Ok, I'm trying to be good here so I guess I'd pick Yvonne Peters)

Describe your personal style?

Basic on the outside, artsy/hippie-ish on the inside.

Who is someone your heart is missing right now?

Oh, absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt, JO!

Name 3 things you'd like to do, visit or see in the next year?

I want to go on a safari.

I want to pray on the Great Wall of China.

I want to rent a car and drive my way through ALL of Europe, taking photos and writing a book.

Now the rules of this tag:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.

2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about.

Bad news: Don't know 7 other people........

Musicals

2009-04-17T09:17:00.001-07:00

This is for YOU, Raelynn :)

California Birthdays Are The Best!

2009-04-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ever been to the California Redwoods? Or to the Benbow Inn? Or Mendocino and the California Coast? If it's your birthday, good things happen there. Champagne, tea and scones, redwood trees that touch the sky, hawks that circle over-head, fog hugging the rugged coastline, laughter.......

Happy Birthday, Raelynn! We miss you!!!!

California Snow

2009-03-31T20:46:00.001-07:00

This is the closest we get to snow in my part of California......

It's the weed 'blossoms' between the rows of grapevines in St. Helena.

YWAM Mazatlan

2009-03-21T16:34:00.001-07:00

Nothing says 'Mazatlan' quite like a good Luchador mask........

Happy Trails To You

2009-02-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, after a conducting my own hands-on experiment with blogging, I have discovered that nobody reads these things except me. And I'm bored reading my own words. So, it's adios, a fond farewell and via con Dios for now......

Beautiful Winter Afternoon

2009-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

How can life be any sweeter? We spent the afternoon watching our UC Davis Rugby team thrash UN-Reno 47-7 this afternoon. It was pushing 70 degrees and there was nothing but sunshine, great competition and very hunky dudes sweating on my behalf on the rugby field. Sheer bliss, I tell you!

I've finally made peace with my GOD.....

2009-01-02T17:34:00.001-08:00

It isn't going to snow here, it just isn't. I guess it's one of life's most difficult pills to swallow for a snow-envious Norwegian-Californian stuck in the middle of one of the most prolific valleys in the world, mostly so because IT DOESN'T SNOW. So for the good of my fellow-Americans who love our fruit and vegetables, I'll suck it up and enjoy the view.

I'm not bitter. Mostly.

Where's the Snow????

2008-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, yea, it's in Sandy and Boulder. Bugger that, eh?

This is what Winter looks like in California. Does anyone feel sorry for me, yet? :)

Lark in the Morning for Becca

2008-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

ok, becca, here is one of my favorite lark in the morning pics. you're the only other human being i know of who's actually been to the store. so, why don't you live here any more? it would be so fun having you around!!!!

So, What's Wrong With That?

2008-11-29T19:21:00.001-08:00

so, what's so weird about a solar-powered frog hotel? i won't feel shame. i'm above it and i aint bovered.

LAST HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

happy thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

what a lovely day today! we have a rae rae all to ourselves for thanksgiving. how could we be so blessed?

love you, raelynn. you REALLY came to see me! :)

spencer

2008-11-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

here is what spencer does when i'm enjoying the CAR WASH. and here is what spencer looks like when he is humiliated by a snow hat and scarf. sorry, james. i'm sure that's not part of the program at who's training who, right? :)

car wash diversion

2008-11-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

ok, so what does one do when life is stressful and overwhelming? go to the CAR WASH, of course! and a CAR WASH isn't a CAR WASH without the awesome purple foam. and i thought it might make for an interesting pic. so, here it is.......

My Funny Crochet Hat

2008-11-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Peer pressure works, it would seem, because here is my hat. It just popped out one day when Sharon was here which is often the case. She has this funky, other-worldly fibre arts anointing that prompts amazing things one has never done to appear right before one's eyes. Yea for creative, amazing friends like Sharon! I didn't realize I could crochet. It's actually very easy and fast.

Do you see what I mean about making weird grandmother-ish things? My hat looks like something from 1930. Hmmm.

I continue to lament: Becca, please help!

the proof is in the puddin'

2008-11-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

ok, some people around here don't believe i'm actually creating anything at all so i'm posting this as my proof!

yes, shya is happier playing with her hat than wearing it but it was my first attempt at a project for her and i think it turned out pretty nicely. she lives in a 'snow climate' so i'll have fun knitting for her through the years. and yes, everything i make ends up looking very grandmother-ish which is disconcerting.

becca...help?

Dreams & Fibre Arts

2008-11-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I have now caved in and am blogging so this should be an interesting new endeavour. Welcome to my world!

My heart is a million miles away from where I sit tonight so I've created a place to dream and create, to learn from others and enjoy community. I'm trying to tap into the creative source within me and maybe, just maybe, I'll complete the pile of projects in the cloth bag at my feet.

These are things to think about:

* Each art form has its own conversation going on ~S. Turner

* Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood~T.S. Eliot

* It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child~Picasso

* To draw you must close your eyes and sing~Picasso (again!)

PS: Becca, I'm counting on your for great inspiration, my Utah fibre arts guru!